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    Home » Recipes » Side Dishes » Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce recipe

    PUBLISHED: November 14, 2021 • By Toni Dash 63 Comments

    Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce recipe

    Jump to Recipe

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Cranberry Orange Sauce

    You’ll never buy cranberry sauce after making this simple, 4 ingredient recipe for Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce. Fifteen minutes to cook and you are done! Can be made the day before serving.

    Cranberry Orange Sauce

    Freshly made Cranberry Sauce is always a favorite dish on the Thanksgiving table.

    Not just because it has less than 5 ingredients or only takes 15 minutes but for the flavor.

    Fresh, bright and sunny. It adds pizzaz to the favorite but less flavorful Thanksgiving companion dishes.

    Cranberry sauce also is one of the most versatile holiday recipes for leftovers too.

    Jump to:
    • Cranberry Orange Sauce Ingredients
    • How to Make Cranberry Orange Sauce – Step by Step
    • Pro Tips
    • How to Store Cranberry Sauce
    • How to Use Cranberry Orange Sauce
    • More Cranberry Recipes to Try
    • Recipe

    This recipe was originally given to me while I was in college finding my way in the kitchen. It was about my speed: easy, fast and fool proof.

    My friend’s mother who gave it to me would make it formed in a mold.

    I loved it in a more free wheeling, rustic presentation as shared in the recipe today. If it’s possible, my version is even easier.

    Even if you loved the ribbed cranberry jelly from a can, this recipe will make you a fresh cranberry sauce convert!

    Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce in a china bowl

    Cranberry Orange Sauce Ingredients

    • Fresh Cranberries
    • Granulated White Sugar
    • Freshly squeezed Orange Juice
    • Orange Zest

    Orange Juice

    It’s easy to use purchased orange juice from concentrate but trust me a few minutes of time in juicing makes all the difference.

    The recipe only requires 2/3 cup of orange juice so it will be fast to juice the orange.

    I have a few tools I use for juicing that I love. A handheld juicer and a glass juicer. Of course squeezing the orange will work well too!

    Orange Zest

    Using a zester or fine mesh grater works best for zesting.

    The zest is the outermost layer of the orange. Do not grate the pith, the white under layer or it will add bitterness to the cranberry orange sauce.

    This is my favorite zester (shown in the ingredient photo). I never thought I could get excited about a zester but this zests everything like it’s zesting butter.

    For more specifics check this post about Orange Zest.

    Fresh Cranberries

    Fresh cranberries are only available in stores in the United Stares in the fall. Buy extra bags of them to stick in the freezer.

    Then you can have cranberries all year long for recipes.

    Fresh cranberries can be frozen in their bag up to one year.

    Cranberries in a colander

    How to Make Cranberry Orange Sauce – Step by Step

    Cranberry Orange sauce recipe steps collage

    Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan over high heat (photo 1).

    Stir to dissolve the sugar and bring to a boil. Boil until all cranberries have burst (about 5 minutes)(photo 2).

    Remove from heat and allow to fully cool (the sauce thickens as it cools) (photo 3).

    Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce

    Pro Tips

    Storing cranberries in the freezer. To enjoy making cranberry recipes all year buy extra bags when they are available. Place the bags of cranberries in freezer plastic bags for extra protection against freezer burn.

    Orange juicing tip. To get more juice out of oranges (or any citrus fruit) place it in the microwave for 10 seconds before juicing.

    How to Store Cranberry Sauce

    In the Refrigerator

    Store in an airtight container for up to 14 days.

    In the Freezer

    Place in an airtight container and freeze for up to one year. Thaw in the refrigerator.

    NOTE: the texture of the cranberry sauce may be smoother after freezing.

    How to Use Cranberry Orange Sauce

    • Serve with other Thanksgiving Recipes
    • Turkey Cranberry-Chipotle Quesadillas
    • Thanksgiving Leftovers Bacon Provolone Pita Pockets
    • Serve over Baked Brie as an appetizer
    • Serve over a block of room temperature Cream Cheese with crackers

    More Cranberry Recipes to Try

    • Spicy Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce
    • Spicy Honey Cranberry Sauce
    • Slow Cooker Cranberry-Pear Sauce with Ginger
    • Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Appetizer Roll
    • Cranberry Salsa
    Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce

    Did you make it? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!

    Please SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, TWITTER and PINTEREST!

    Recipe

    Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce in serving bowl

    Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce

    This easy cranberry sauce is made with wholesome ingredients with bright flavors. Sure to be the hit of the dinner table.
    5 from 52 votes
    Print Save Recipe Recipe Saved! Pin Rate
    Course: Condiment, Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes
    Servings: 8 1/4 cup servings (makes 2 cups)
    Calories: 125kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 12 ounces fresh Cranberries , rinsed
    • 1 cup Granulated Sugar
    • 2/3 cup freshly squeezed Orange Juice
    • Zest of 1 medium Orange

    Instructions

    • Combine all ingredients in medium saucepan over medium high heat. Stir to dissolve the sugar and bring to a boil. Boil, stirring periodically, until all the cranberries burst (about 5 minutes).
    • Remove from heat and allow to fully cool. Note: the sauce will thicken as it cools.

    Notes

    How to Store
    Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 14 days.
    In the Freezer
    Place in an airtight container and freeze for up to one year. Thaw in the refrigerator.
    NOTE: the texture of the cranberry sauce may be smoother after freezing.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 125kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 77mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 65IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 0.1mg
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @boulderlocavore or tag #boulderlocavore!

    Originally published: November 20, 2016

    Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce is fast and easy to make. It will be the hit of any meal!

    « Roasted Pumpkin Salad with Feta and Almonds
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    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    TONI DASH
    Toni Dash head shot

    Toni Dash, is a Certified Nutrition Coach and the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavore®. She has been developing easy to make, well-tested recipes since 2010. Her seasonal recipes bring excitement to the dining table for both gluten-free and gluten diners. Toni has been featured in numerous publications and on culinary websites for her creative, delicious recipes and travel features. For more details, check out her About page.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Tracy J says

      December 24, 2021 at 9:52 am

      5 stars
      My favorite 🤩

      Reply
    2. Nadine says

      December 08, 2021 at 9:23 am

      5 stars
      Great recipe and so easy!

      Reply
    3. nancy says

      November 15, 2021 at 2:07 pm

      5 stars
      move aside store bought cranberry sauce! this one is a winner!!

      Reply
    4. Artney says

      November 15, 2021 at 2:00 pm

      5 stars
      The cranberry orange combo is definitely one of my favorites to enjoy together this time of year. This recipe is so easy to prepare. Can’t wait to make this again for the holidays!

      Reply
    5. Audrey says

      November 15, 2021 at 10:55 am

      5 stars
      I made this for friendsgiving and everyone raved about it!

      Reply
    6. Lara says

      November 15, 2021 at 9:58 am

      5 stars
      Super simple and delicious! Will be making this for thanksgiving for sure!

      Reply
    7. Emily Flint says

      November 15, 2021 at 9:24 am

      5 stars
      Cranberry and orange are meant to go together! I will be serving this instead of the canned cranberry sauce this year!

      Reply
    8. Tavo says

      November 15, 2021 at 8:52 am

      5 stars
      Wao! So easy! I just finished making it and it is delicious! I loved the orange addition! Great twist!

      Reply
    9. Sharmila Kingsly says

      November 15, 2021 at 8:44 am

      5 stars
      Perfect for Thanksgiving !! We love them and it look so fresh and yummy !!

      Reply
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    About Toni Dash

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    Welcome! I’m Toni. I’m a Certified Nutrition Coach and my goal is to MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER with delicious, well-tested recipes and travel tips! More About Me …

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